Woman makes court appearance on mischief charge after topless protest at Juno Awards
By The Canadian Press on March 15, 2023.
EDMONTON – A woman facing a criminal charge after a topless protest at the Junos says the stunt has created international buzz for climate change and the awards show. Casey Hatherly, who is 37, appeared this morning in Edmonton court on a charge of mischief. She told reporters outside court that she has protested topless before and is on her way to Ottawa to continue to demand action on climate change. Hatherly says it was easy for her to walk up on the Junos stage while Canadian musician Avril Lavigne was introducing a performance. Messages written on the protester’s bare torso read “land back” and “save the Greenbelt,” referring to Ontario’s decision last year to open a protected area of land for housing. Lavigne swore at the protester during the live broadcast and demanded the woman get off the stage before she was escorted away by security. Representatives for the Junos declined to comment on the protest and wouldn’t say if they are reviewing security protocols. 8-7
